The dominance of the iPhone on these shores became even more pronounced this year, with the news that all the top-four best-selling smartphones for 2015 were Apple handsets.

In at position one is 2014’s iPhone 6 in its 16GB iteration, while nestling just below at number two is the ageing iPhone 5S from 2013. There’s another appearance for the iPhone 6 at position three, where it’s the 64GB model’s turn in the limelight.

This year’s model, the iPhone 6S 16GB, is at number four. And while it’s tempting to interpret its relatively lowly placing to consumers being unimpressed by 3DTouch and camera upgrades, it’s probably due to the fact the phone was only released in September.

Samsung’s standard-bearer, the Galaxy S6 32GB, tips up at number five. But after that normal service resumes, with the now-discontinued iPhone 5C budget phone landing at number six and the 64GB iteration of the iPhone 6S occupying position seven.

Intriguingly, Apple’s iPhone 6S Plus supersized phablet didn’t make the top ten at all, suggesting that whatever people really like about iPhones it isn’t whopping screens.

Rob Kerr, mobiles expert at uSwitch.com, said: “Apple’s authority in the UK mobile market is unrivalled. It’s the only manufacturer that can still attract queues days ahead of its major launches. It even makes Samsung look like a perennial underachiever.